Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, inaugurated the Students Advancing Mindsets in AI, Robotics, Technology and Digital Hardware (SAMARTH) initiative at the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), Kohima, during her visit on 14th November 2025. The Minister toured an exhibition showcasing innovations by startups and students, and also visited the India AI Lab and the R&D Cyber Forensics Lab, where she interacted with students and faculty members.
The Union Minister launched the SAMARTH Portal and held an interaction session with students. Speaking on the importance of financial awareness for women, especially in the Northeast, she noted that although Indian women have traditionally managed household finances effectively, the changing economic environment requires them to expand their understanding of modern financial tools and opportunities. She encouraged women to explore small savings instruments, stock market avenues, and collateral-free loan schemes offered by the Government of India. She also highlighted the PM Vatsalya scheme, which allows families to save small amounts for children from birth, later converting these savings into provident fund and pension benefits.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of familiarizing students with Artificial Intelligence, stating that early exposure is vital for future skill development. She praised the Tata Group’s upcoming ATMP semiconductor facility in Assam and revealed that she had requested the company to consider expanding similar opportunities to Nagaland. She added that the Northeast is showing impressive readiness in skills, training, and enthusiasm, which positions it strongly for new-age industries.
Speaking on youth participation in nation-building, Sitharaman urged students to stay united, focused, and positive. She cautioned against negative influences such as drugs and bullying and reminded them that today’s youth will shape India’s foundation for 2047. She encouraged students to support, guide, and uplift one another to build a strong and progressive society.
Responding to a query on digital learning in rural areas, the Minister noted the rapid progress of the BharatNet programme, which is expanding optical fibre connectivity to village institutions such as schools, post offices, and hospitals. She added that 5G has already been launched across the country, with further advancements underway, and that both public and private telecom networks are working to extend coverage to remote regions.
Sitharaman also remarked that the Northeast is witnessing simultaneous growth across sectors such as coal, cement, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and semiconductors. She said that with improved multimodal transport and logistics, long-standing barriers to connectivity are being addressed, allowing industries to grow without waiting for sequential development.
On a question regarding scholarships, the Minister mentioned that the government will explore the possibility of creating a centralized portal that lists all fellowships and scholarship schemes across ministries to make information easily accessible to students.
Minister Sitharaman also unveiled three AI training kits of different categories and distributed them to student beneficiaries. An exchange of MoU between TSAT and NIELIT was also carried out on the occasion.
The Minister was accompanied by several dignitaries, including Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse, Advisor Kropol Vitsu, Advisor Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Director General and VC of NIELIT, MeitY, Prof. Madan Mohan Tripathi, Tim McIntosh from TATA Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt. Ltd., and senior government officials. Earlier, the Director of NIELIT Kohima, L. Lanuwabang, delivered the welcome address.
(DPRO Kohima & Molungnenla, IA Kohima)
